AS players return to pre-season and transfer deals get wrapped up, the latest Scottish Premiership predictions have revealed that Celtic will defend their crown, beating Rangers who are predicted to finish second.

The supercomputer prediction via BonusCodeBets has been forecast using a range of informative outright odds markets to formulate what the final table will look like.

Hearts will complete the top three to finish third, ahead of Hibs, who are forecast to finish fourth.

At the bottom end of the division, Ross County are predicted to prop up the table and finish last, with St Mirren facing the prospect of the relegation play-off by finishing 11th.

St Johnstone rode their luck in the relegation play-off last year but will avoid similar peril and will finish two places higher in 9th this term.

Aberdeen will improve from last year’s disappointment to finish fifth, while Motherwell drop out of future Europa Conference contention with a sixth-place finish.

Dundee United will finish 7th, above Livingston (8th) and newly-promoted Kilmarnock (10th).

A BonusCodeBets spokesperson said: "It's set to be more joy for the green half of Glasgow next year as our latest predictions have revealed Celtic will beat Rangers to the title yet again.

"Meanwhile, there could be trouble ahead for St Mirren and Ross County, while St Johnstone will avoid any drama late in the season after surviving by the skin of their teeth last campaign."